Every day we meet with homeowners, builders and realtors who want to know about staging- How it works, Why it works, Will it work… So, we thought we’d take it back to the beginning and talk a little bit about why staging adds value, how we approach the process, and why we think Sunflower Creations is successful at helping get homes sold all over Philadelphia and surrounding neighborhoods. If you are considering staging, – please read on. If you are already a believer, you can skip the boring text and just look at the pretty pictures!

So, Question #1: Why would you stage your home prior to listing it for sale? Basically, either because the property is vacant, or because you actually live in your home and everything isn’t perfect at all times. We will talk more about occupied staging in our next post, but today we’re going to focus on vacant home staging.

It all begins with the click of a link… It doesn’t matter if you are listing your family home, a rental property, or a new build- the fundamental process is the same- the more interest you generate, the more traffic you get to the listing. The more traffic you get, the greater the potential for more offers. And the more offers you get, the more you- the seller- are in control of the deal. Since we have the internet, most prospective buyers will be introduced to your home, along with about 400 other homes that meet their search criteria, by being presented with a thumbnail photo that will appear approximately 1*1 inches on a phone screen. Make the most of that inch. A photo of walls is pretty easy to skip. A photo with colors and shapes might grab a viewer’s attention for just a second longer, and that second could be the difference between a showing and a pass. (Small aside- whether you hire a professional stager or do it yourself, hire a professional photographer. Again, the picture is going to dictate how the story goes- make it a really good picture).

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2. You didn’t do all the updates you intended... So, maybe you never got around to installing stone counter tops in the kitchen, or perhaps you ran out of time before you had a chance to remodel the closets, or maybe the original hardwood floors could have used a sanding but … It’s time to list- it is what it is- and you are pricing the property appropriately. Staging is a good idea for you. We do not stage to cover up problems- what we do is create a aesthetic that feels fresh and welcoming. We help prospective buyers see the full potential of the home by highlighting the best parts. A side effect of that is focus less on every scratch in the floor or chip in the paint. We make prospective buyers say, “This house feels like home to us. All it needs is (a coat of paint) (a sanding of the floors) (a bathroom update), but it’s totally move-in ready”.

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3. The home is brand new construction… It’s literally perfect, but you should stage it… Here’s a couple things about new construction (a) It can feel very sterile because everything is new, and that is not inviting. Even just a light staging provides the opportunity to bring in some softness and variety of texture. (b) Much of the competition is staged, so you need to stay competitive. Again- it’s not just about having a great property; It’s about getting prospective buyers to notice it. (c) Architects and builders have the ability to visualize the finished product, which is what makes them good at their jobs. Most homebuyers do not have that ability. And open-concept floorplans are especially difficult. If potential buyers can not envision how to live in the space, they will move on to the next listing.

So, Thanks for stopping by today!

We hope you found this information helpful- and feel free to pass it along to your friends or clients.

For vacant home staging, a consult 2-3 week’s prior to intended completion date is ideal. And in the case of occupied home staging, the more time we have prior to listing, the more we can help you perfect your product.

Happy 2018! We really hope it was a safe, peaceful and happy holiday season for you all. And, we also hope you are easing back into the work realm with smiles and grace!

We are rested and back at it- because Philadelphia is busting with new homes, improved homes, and sellers on the move.

If you are preparing to list, or if you have clients who are preparing to list, calling us should be on your to-do list. For vacant home staging, a consult 2-3 week’s prior to intended completion date is ideal. And in the case of occupied home staging, the more time we have prior to listing, the more we can help you perfect your product. So, contact Ali at akutner@sunflowercreationsonline.com or 267.207.9898 to get that ball rolling.

Here’s some staging pics from a rehabbed property in Germantown- staged and sold in 2017.

We were expecting a young family would be the lucky buyers for this 4 bedroom gut rehab in the artsy and eclectic Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia. So, we wanted to use some contemporary and colorful pieces that would feel fun and familiar to a younger market of buyers. You’ll see some vintage charm, a little global flare and some kitsch mixed in for good measure…

Happy holidays, and thanks so much for hanging with us all year! Since we’re all really busy and distracted this time of year, we thought we’d keep it light this time (as opposed to the usual heavy staging stuff we drop around here…). We just wanted to post a few more staging pics that we haven’t had a chance to share yet. Here’s three very different types of properties that were staged and sold this fall.

We wish you a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season- and we look forward to seeing you all in January! Until we meet again…

Here’s a few pictures from a very high-end, very modern occupied home staging we worked on. The sellers brought us in for staging consultation and to fill in with furnishings in a few empty rooms. This luxury listing sold in a matter of days.

They had this huge room on the entry level that we staged as an In-law/ Au Pair suite. We included a living area, sleeping area, and office area. Loved the way it turned out!

This is a small bonus space on the 4th floor, which also housed 2 additional bedrooms/baths. So, we turned it into a kid-oriented living room with TV and game table/homework station.

We polished up the amazing roof deck using the homeowner’s existing items. Just moved a few things around, added a rug and some posh accessories…

In spite of the sophisticated marble fireplace mantle, crown moldings, and 11 foot ceilings, I thought this house had a really jovial spirit about it! We were able to bring in a few quirky and eclectic items that felt right at home:)

We used a blue sofa/love seat combo that kind of recedes into the space. But the pops of orange jump right out at ya!

There’s a lot going on in this kitchen. We wanted to show off those glass shelves and the large amount of counter space without creating a feeling of too much clutter or chaos.

What’s going on above 50th St, people? The answer is: A whole lot of home renovating…

Over the years, we’ve done a good amount of staging in University City, Cedar Park, and Kinsessing. But as our city is flourishing, rehabbers and developers are pushing the limits and creating beautiful neighborhoods beyond the traditional boundaries.

Here’s a look at 4 West Philadelphia properties staged in July. Three out of 4 are Staged & Sold in Less than 30 Days!

49xx Florence Ave

50xx Springfield Ave

51xx Webster Ave

Thanks so much for looking!
Sunflower Creations is The Philly Home Stager because we are dedicated to:
Providing quick, reliable and professional service
Creating fabulous looking homes at competitive prices
Helping to sell your home quickly and profitably
Making every project our number one priority

We’d Love to Work With You On Your Next Project:
Vacant Home Staging and Furniture, Art, Accessories Rental
Occupied Home Staging Consultations
and more…

Our second detailing blog! These are becoming more and more popular with the mainline homes. Detailing an occupied home is an important tool for selling your home faster. Don’t make home buyer look past the clutter, show them a move in ready home that they can see themselves in. This home was on the market for over a month when they decided to bring in Sunflower Creations, and that decision really paid off- it sold shortly after!

An undefined entry makes for a poor first impression.

Entry Before

Entry After

Clutter distracts buyers from the space.

Sitting Room before

Sitting Room After

The oversized seating in this room made it seem much smaller than it was. Some smaller, sleeker love seats, simple art work, and a much needed decluttering turned this room into the classy sitting area this home deserved.

A set table makes a world of difference.

Before

After

Some slight changes make this living room more inviting.

Before

After

We showcased the amazing bed frame these home owners already had. We also decluttered the bookshelf, making it both functional and decorative. Adding a sitting nook didn’t hurt either!

Bedroom Befores and Afters!

Before

After

A formerly unused corner in the basement was transformed into a reading nook using one of the oversized arm chairs from the sitting room.

Take a peak at this charming suburban family home in Bala Cynwyd, staged and sold– just a couple of weeks on the market. I certainly has curb appeal- and that really sets the stage for the charming interior, which you are about to see…

The home was the seller’s childhood home, and it was really important to him that the buyers would love the property as much as his family had done over the years. He acknowledged that there were some dated elements, but really wanted the buyer to be someone who would love the original elements of the home, and make their updates with that in mind.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I am just a total sucker for a sun porch…. I love the idea of feeling like I’m outside, but without the bugs, and without the weather. This room is the entry to the home, so we wanted to make the first impression feel cozy. Just a few pieces of furniture to create a little sitting area- and the area rug and curtains really warm up the space.

The living room has a somewhat challenging layout, with regard to where to situate the sofa in order to watch TV. We wanted to provide multiple options.

Nice big dining room- LOVE those windows, and the original hardwood floors…

Now clearly, the kitchen could use an update- BUT, it’s clean, spacious, and in reasonably good condition. That oven unit is SO COOL!